An SAS : Who Dares Wins star told how he listened helplessly over the phone as his children sobbed after wife was brutally murdered .

Viewers of the Channel 4 show were reduced to tears last night as Danny Cross, 40, spoke about how his children motivated him to survive their family tragedy.

He was 200 miles away from their Hertfordshire home when he heard the last tragic moments of his 37-year-old wife Nicola's life as she was stabbed to death in 2015.

She had called her husband who was away for work in Hull to tell him she was worried about a man who had been lurking outside the house when that same man, Marcin Porczynski, a 27-year-old schizophrenic, broke in and fatally stabbed her.

Viewers of the Channel 4 show were reduced to tears last night as Danny Cross, 40, spoke about how his children motivated him to survive their family tragedy (Image: Channel 4)

A knee injury forced Mr Cross off the show last night, and his departure sparked an emotional outpouring of support from viewers on social media (Image: Channel 4)

Danny heard his wife's last moments - and then his children trying to wake her up (Image: PA)

Leah McNeill wrote on Twitter: "Big love to #13 what a guy. Heart breaks for the big guy, such an inspiration."

BPDBaker wrote: "Watching 'Who Dares Wins` In my eyes Danny Cross is the winner! Regardless of being withdrawn, nothing will ever break that man. Well done for being strong for your family!!"

Kirsty Purnell wrote: "Danny Cross I think he deserves everything what an amazing bloke I was crying just can't believe what nasty people are in this world it's terrible. But Danny be proud for your family we all believe in you xx."

And Michael McNeill wrote: "#dannycross would of went far, pity about the knee, massive respect. Mental strength was unbreakable after that life changing incident. Respect."

Nicola's attacker pleaded guilty in court to her manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was ordered to be detained in a secure psychiatric unit for an indefinite period.

Marcin Porczynski was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility (Image: PA)